RESPECT- You Deserve Exactly What you Give

You Deserve What You Give

I don’t know about you, but I believe that when it comes to respect, assistance, courtesy, and more, you deserve exactly what you give.

Now, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t give those things just because someone else isn’t. If someone else isn’t respectful or courteous, that is a reflection of their character. Do not make the mistake of treating them the same, because that would be a bad reflection on your character.

Someone may be rude or even hateful, but that doesn’t mean we have to be. Let them look bad for it. Don’t copy their behavior, instead, focus on being the best you that you can be. 

The ability to continue act with respect and courtesy in the face of disrespect shines a light on strong character. Continue to give what you would want in return, especially to those who don’t return it.

Something We Often Forget

We often forget about these things with those we are closest with. Especially our kids and often our spouses. It can be easy to get very comfortable with people and begin to cross the line of disrespect.

They may not tell you how they feel, but it doesn’t stop them from having negative feelings about it.

We often want respect from our kids, but our kids learn their behavior from watching us and others. If we really want our kids to show us respect, it has to start with showing them respect. This is how they learn how we expect to be treated with respect.

If you expect them to use their manners, then make sure you use your manners with them EVERY TIME.

If you expect them to listen to you and follow instructions, then make sure you listen intently to them and let them take the lead from time to time. This means following their instructions for a little bit in play or a project.

It can get easy to feel like we have to lead all the time as parents, but sometimes being a leader means knowing how to follow and being the best example of it we can.

That way, our kids will know exactly how to act when the roles reverse.

R-e-s-p-e-c-t

To respect something is to look for the good in it, or pay it special attention. Respect often comes from admiring someone or something. It could just be admiring one part of someone or an achievement regardless of how you may feel about the person.

If you truly wish to be seen as respectful and admirable, acknowledge other and their abilities that are worth admiring, even if you don’t admire the person.

We like to say, ‘treat others they way they need to be treated’.

Given Regardless

I often hear people talk about how others need to earn their respect. The funny thing is, these are often the same people who demand others respect them right out the gate…

I say, respect everyone, if they prove to not be worthy of that respect, stay respectful anyway, just remove them from your life as much as possible.

Showing respect is not only a reflection of our own character, but it is also a matter of courtesy. Respect requires some notion of compassion. Treating someone in a way they like to be treated shows a willingness to acknowledge them on their own terms, which is an effective way to show respect.

Compassion & Respect

Compassion and respect go hand in hand with each other.

You don’t have to like someone, or their views, to still show care and respect towards them. As a matter of fact, doing so is a reflection to others of your strength of character and confidence.

Treating others in a kind and caring way who have different opinions or views will allow you both to learn about each other, and maybe even learn something you didn’t know before.

Treating others with compassion and respect even when they don’t treat you that way shows others your strength of character and confidence.

Is It Worth It?

The question you have to ask yourself before becoming argumentative or disrespectful to someone is this, is it worth it?

Is it worth sacrificing your character, integrity, and values to argue your point?

Is it worth it to lose a possible connection, friend, or solid relationship with a family member just because you get stuck in an us vs. them mentality?

What is the point of being disrespectful or argumentative with them to try to change their mind if you lose them over it? Or worse, lose your strength of character and integrity over it?

Don’t get drug into the mud just because someone else wants to get dirty…

Not that a good debate should ever be avoided! Opposing ideas and thoughts can be shared without tearing each other down in any way. There are ways to have a respectful debate and disagreement without attacking a person and becoming disrespectful. You don’t have to get emotional and stressed out about the fact someone else thinks differently than you. You also don’t have to tear them down for it, even if you think they are wrong!

In fact, it can be a fun way to learn and solidify your thoughts on a subject!

We All Hold A Piece Of The Puzzle

We are all life. We are all forms of the same structure sharing the same town, community, city, state, country, or planet as home. One simple can not even come close to experiencing all that life has in it.

Sharing ideas with others in a respectful manner will get you one step closer though.

Through that experience comes knowledge and wisdom as well if you know what to do with it.

Through that experience comes knowledge and wisdom as well if you know what to do with it.

Becoming disrespectful towards one person over one character trait or a few disagreements may cause you to miss out on knowledge that could have been valuable to you.

Compassion & Respect are the keys to understanding. Understanding is the key to resolutions, coexistence, and peace. 

Here are some great power phrases and questions to use as internal mantras, or family motto’s, to help ourselves and our kids learn to show respect to those around them.

Respect Power Phrases:

These phrases an be used as internal mantras, or family mottos to help ourselves and our kids remember to keep showing our respect to those around us.

I WILL THINK ABOUT HOW OTHERS FEEL

I WILL TREAT OTHERS THE WAY THEY WANT TO BE TREATED

I WILL MAKE EYE CONTACT WHEN SPEAKING

I WILL SHOW RESPECT BY LISTENING

I WILL ACCEPT THAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE DIFFERENT FROM ME

I WILL TAKE CARE OF MY THINGS

I WILL USE MY MANNERS How do you do that? Everyone say using our please sir and thank you sir! PLEASE SIR AND THANK YOU SIR

Respect Power Questions:

Great questions to repeat with your kids to give them a better idea of how to show respect.

What does respect mean? Treat others how they want to be treated

How can we show respect? Using our manners (courtesy), showing we care (compassion)

Does it show respect to turn your back while someone is talking to you? No Sir

Does it show respect to shake hands when you meet someone new? Yes Sir

Does it show respect to break your or others things? No sir

To find more #Teammate Talks podcast episodes like the video above, follow the link or search #Teammate Talks wherever you get your podcasts!

This #Teammate parent article was written by: Cory Rose